Effective July 26, 2021, additional substances will be allowed for organic production. Specifically, the final rule adds:

• Oxalic acid dihydrate (added to §205.603) - for use as a pesticide solely in apiculture
• Nonorganic pullulan (added to §205.605) - for use only in tablets and capsules for dietary supplements labelled "made with organic"
• Collagen gel (added to §205.605) - as a casing, may be used only when organic collagen gel is not commercially available

What is the "National List"?

Created by the Organic Food Production Act, the National List of Allowed and Prohibited Substances identifies the nonorganic and nonagricultural substances that may be used in organic agricultural production and handling. Changes can only be made to the National List through National Organic Standards Board (NOSB) recommendations and USDA rulemaking. The process also includes a public comment period. The full publication in the Federal Register discusses the NOSB recommendations, comments received for and against the proposed amendments, and the basis for the final decision.